Glove Insert Structure for Shape Retention and Faster Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gloves, particularly those made of leather like golf gloves, face issues with moisture retention and shape deformation when dried, leading to stiffness and moldiness, as existing drying methods do not effectively maintain the glove's original form during the drying process.
Innovation Solution
A flexible glove insert with a three-dimensional shape and perforations to provide support and accelerate drying, designed to fit inside the glove, maintaining its form and allowing for easy insertion and removal, and optionally incorporating a desiccant packet for enhanced drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the glove is stuffed into a pocket after use, then it is easy to store, but the glove becomes crumpled and deformed
Solution Approach 1:
A glove insert is introduced as an intermediary device between the glove and the storage environment. The insert maintains the glove's three-dimensional shape and prevents crumpling while allowing the glove to be easily stored in a pocket or bag. The insert acts as a mediator that protects the glove's form during storage without complicating the storage process.
2Productivity
If the glove is dried without support, then the drying process is simple, but the glove becomes crumpled and deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The glove insert is placed inside the glove before the drying process begins. This preliminary action ensures that the glove maintains its proper shape from the start of drying, preventing deformation while allowing rapid evaporation of moisture through the insert's perforations. The insert is already in position to provide support throughout the entire drying process.
3Shape
If a rigid support device is used to maintain glove shape, then the shape is well maintained, but the device is difficult to insert and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The glove insert is designed with dynamic properties that allow it to transition between flexible and rigid states. During insertion and removal, the insert flexes to conform to the glove's interior, making it easy to install and remove. Once in place, it provides rigid support to maintain the glove's shape during drying and storage.
4Loss of time
If the glove is dried quickly using high heat, then the drying time is reduced, but the leather becomes stiff and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The glove insert incorporates porous or perforated structures that facilitate controlled moisture evaporation. These openings allow moisture to escape gradually from the glove interior while maintaining airflow that accelerates drying. The controlled porosity prevents sudden temperature changes and excessive heat exposure that would damage the leather, enabling faster drying without compromising glove condition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The insert ensures rapid and thorough drying while preserving the glove's original shape, preventing deformation and allowing for easy application of leather conditioner, thus extending the glove's lifespan and maintaining its performance.
Implementation Method 1
configured to receive a disposable insert/packet that contains a desiccant, to accelerate drying of the glove
Data Source
AI summary
An insert maintains the form of a glove while facilitating drying. The insert has palm, finger, and thumb portions. The palm portion is a planar or curved flange, having first and second sides. The finger portion includes an index finger flange, a middle finger flange, a ring finger flange, and a pinky finger flange, each extending from the palm portion. A first peripheral flange and a second peripheral flange are each configured to respectively extend away from, and be in continuous proximity to, a periphery formed by the first side and the second side of the palm portion and the finger flanges. First and second transverse flanges are formed for each of the finger flanges, each configured to extend away from first and second sides thereof, and be substantially centered on the finger flange, to provide eight radiused points of a contact/support being substantially equally spaced, for each glove finger.


